By Greg

November 9, 2009 5:46 PM | Link to this

She walked the neighborhoods. When did she walk a neighborhood east of 3rd Street? Answer never. As for talking to “average Daytonians” sure as long as they were on the West side of town. She lost because she did not care about the East side of town at any point in her 8 years as mayor.

By Kevin

November 9, 2009 6:27 PM | Link to this

Mr. Leonard, there was no disconnect in their logic. To suggest that the historical plight of African-American’s is the same as that for gays and lesbians is insulting. And Greg raises a good point too. But let me expound a bit. The mayor must care for all citizens North, South, East and West, regardless of regardless of demographic.

By newguy

November 9, 2009 7:12 PM | Link to this

anyone want to talk about the 80 police officers being layed off soon. great timing

By east 3rd

November 9, 2009 7:46 PM | Link to this

third st is an east-west route. As you go east it becomes Airway Rd. the Col Glen HWy then Old Yellow Springs Rd. To walk east of 3rd st. she would have to be walking in Fairborn. I think Paul Leonard was right on in his assessment.She was a victim of circumstances. Wise up Gary. The voters didn’t vote for you, they voted against Rhine because they blamed her for things that were not her fault. Get a clue,..fast. And for crying out loud,..Lose the ear ring!!

By Smilin' Dave

November 9, 2009 7:50 PM | Link to this

The bottom line is she failed. Dayton was named a dying city on her watch. Then there’s the hat thing…if you always look like a clown,you will be perceived as one.

By Mark

November 9, 2009 8:29 PM | Link to this

UGH! Party line till the end. It would be really nice if Paul could write an editorial and share his TRUE feelings about just what Rhine did for the city. Unless he truly believes that walking the streets was what the City needed. He is right about one thing, Gary has his work cut out for him. However, his silence in showing some support for the future Mayor of Dayton is what is really deafening. Priorities are everything, right?

By Henry

November 9, 2009 9:06 PM | Link to this

McLin visited lots of east Dayton neighborhoods during her mayor’s walks. That’s a fact.

By Stephen

November 9, 2009 9:40 PM | Link to this

No Kevin, What is insulting is yours suggestion that its okay to discriminate against gay people. Discrimincation is discrimination is discrimination. It has come in different forms against different groups, but it is still discrimination. Its so funny how other minorities think its not okay to discriminate against them, then they turn around and discriminate against another group. For shame for shame. Mayor Mclin was a brave woman and an icon for sticking up for gay people. This group of ministers need to learn the message of love and brotherhood and respect for ALL of God’s family.

By Stephen

November 9, 2009 9:40 PM | Link to this

No Kevin, What is insulting is yours suggestion that its okay to discriminate against gay people. Discrimincation is discrimination is discrimination. It has come in different forms against different groups, but it is still discrimination. Its so funny how other minorities think its not okay to discriminate against them, then they turn around and discriminate against another group. For shame for shame. Mayor Mclin was a brave woman and an icon for sticking up for gay people. This group of ministers need to learn the message of love and brotherhood and respect for ALL of God’s family.

By bwood

November 9, 2009 10:15 PM | Link to this

OMG, how many ways can you NOT say she could not cut it? She got one re-election after a dismal first term; she in no way deserved another shot at it. Add to that the outfits and “alleged” heavy drinking, and you have an ex-mayor. About time.

By Ron

November 9, 2009 10:16 PM | Link to this

someone can’t count, their was several thousand reasons, just ask everyone who lost their jobs. McLin only had one vision….HERS. Not for what SHE could give to the city of Dayton but what the city could do for her. As for a suprise on the voting outcome, it just shows you, anyone could have beat her. That’s how poorly she did for the residents of Dayton. It will take more than several years to get Dayton back on the map of a desired town to live in but it only took her 8 years to do ?????????????? what! She just did for her self and her parisites now we all suffer.

By L

November 9, 2009 10:33 PM | Link to this

Finally, Dayton came to it’s senses and realized that Rhine McLin was only in the mayoral seat because she has her father’s last name. She was an embarrassment to the city. Good luck, Mr. Mayor. You are going to need it.

By Bennit

November 9, 2009 11:03 PM | Link to this

Mclin did dress like a clown, in the crazy hats and the stupid eye glasses,What was up with her doing that as a mayor?Maybe she will run the funeral home better, that she did mayor!

By LA

November 9, 2009 11:09 PM | Link to this

Leonard, put down that crack pipe. No one could have seen her re-election defeat coming? Where have you been living the last 8 years? Surely not in Dayton. If you can’t see why she was voted out, you’re even more out of touch than she was.

By Jo ann Timbanard

November 9, 2009 11:10 PM | Link to this

It’s time for the changing of the guard in the Mayor’s seat. McClin dragged the city into a severe depression, allowing NCR to leave, etc. and losing more and more jobs. She just lacked the intellect to help the city progress to the next level vs. taking it down to the pits. Now she can day dream about what she could have, should have or would have…if she just had another 2 years or 4!!!!

By jimmie

November 10, 2009 12:35 AM | Link to this

If it wasn’t for Madame Mayor’s surname, she couldn’t have been elected dogcatcher - a job she probably could not handle either. Going into office, Leitzell is just as competent as McLin is coming out of office. After all, the bar has been set exceedingly low.

By PartySchmarty

November 10, 2009 1:47 AM | Link to this

McLin’s heart is in the right place. She just lacks the skills and vision to see what needs to be done. I have my doubts that Leitzell has the kuhunas to pull Dayton out of the ashes, but one can always hope…

By d

November 10, 2009 6:48 AM | Link to this

DDN….let her go. She’s gone……….she’s gone. Move on.

By bobby

November 10, 2009 8:19 AM | Link to this

Will Ted Strickland find a job for her on a state commission, will she become an executive of another nonprofit[like Bootsie Neal],or will she teach political science at a local university?

By No wonder Dayton's been sliding...

November 10, 2009 8:24 AM | Link to this

This article is great… It’s a great example of why Dayton’s slid into the dumpster over a long period of time. This guy was a former Mayor? What a bafoon. In his list (obviously he’s a Mclin appologist) he fails to recognize the horrid schools, the fact that Dayton’s basically turned into the Wild West with all of the shootings & murder, & the complete regression & lack of economic progress in the city. NCR or not, NOTHING’s happening down town to stimulate growth of any kind. What, Riverscape? That was a great use of $’s, right? Glad the writter’s out of politics, sad he’s teach college students about it.

By E

November 10, 2009 8:25 AM | Link to this

With all due respect to former Mayor Leonard, this is a kind portrayl of a mayor that not only showed massive incompetence but was blinded by her own ignorance. The City of Dayton is now looked down upon by not only other states, but other cities within the state. In this case change was evident, the damage that she steered through her 8 year term was enough. The CITY DESERVED BETTER, regardless of her lineage.

By Whitey-on-Da-Bus

November 10, 2009 8:26 AM | Link to this

It’s good to hear from the “Rock ‘n’ Roll Mayor” again. I don’t agree about McLin being as good as you say, Paul, but I respect your opinion. Seeing how you were once mayor, too. Let’s all get behind Mayor-Elect Leitzell, and focus on working together. Divisive thoughts and recriminations will only make the situation in Dayton worse.

By bleeb

November 10, 2009 8:26 AM | Link to this

Visiting neighborhoods is a good re-election tactic, but what results for the city does she have to show after eight years?

By ity-bity

November 10, 2009 8:32 AM | Link to this

I agree with the earlier comment for DDN to stop reporting about Mclin, she is no more! Let’s forget about her and move on to clean up our city!

By X-File

November 10, 2009 8:35 AM | Link to this

To Greg, she walked neighborhoods all over the city, it was publicly announced and equally balanced, you were not paying attention. Some people just like to gripe,….like you!

By Shirley

November 10, 2009 8:41 AM | Link to this

Stupidity of misspending of tax money? Shall we say, “skating rink roof”????

By Victor

November 10, 2009 8:45 AM | Link to this

Former Mayor Paul Leonard’s comments have merit. It should be noted that Rashad Young was a direct product of Former City Manager Valerie Lemmie and former Mayor Mike Turner. Rashad was a Trojan Horse to Mayor McLin. No Mayor controls Corporate decisions, unfortunately for Citizens. NCR/Danis/DPL inc/Etc have no loyalty aspect within their profit-first agendas. This is a national problem, too. The City Management system was a John Patterson design to separate the citizen-elected politians from their taxes & resources. We need this to change!

By More Of The Same

November 10, 2009 8:53 AM | Link to this

The sad part is, her funeral director background allowed her to put Dayton in the ground, and her abysmal failure at leadership, will lead her to some other job in State government where we will get to experience more of her. We never get rid of political failures, they only advance.

By More Of The Same

November 10, 2009 8:54 AM | Link to this

The sad part is, her funeral director background allowed her to put Dayton in the ground, and her abysmal failure at leadership, will lead her to some other job in State government where we will get to experience more of her. We never get rid of political failures, they only advance.

By TC

November 10, 2009 9:07 AM | Link to this

Here’s what I like to think is the real election fact: she lost b/c the voter turnout was not there. Those who voted vote in every election. They happen to be the population that is concerned, knows the issues, is (in most cases) educated, and in many situations works/serves the city (ex: police, fire, civil servants, waste mgnmnt, bankers, financers, business owners, ect). They were not happy with where we are today. THOSE voters voted for change. And the only option was Leitzell. They just didn’t want 4 more years of Mclin. To answer this question (why did she lose?) we should look at voter turnout by neighborhood. There in lies the answer to her demise.

By m

November 10, 2009 9:12 AM | Link to this

I guess you cannot say much that has not already been said. Three things always nothered me about her. 1. her image. She always looked ridiculous in her outfits and hats 2. Her public speaking and messages were not clearly delivered. 3. The drinking rumors. May explain a lot about her focus but definately lost voters confidence.

By THOMAS J

November 10, 2009 9:21 AM | Link to this

Say hey you all the change in Mayors isn’t going to change the misfortunes of Dayton.The whole City Council lacks vision.The City also lacks the tax base to advance its goals,plain and smple.The new face as Mayor may have some plan but the lack of vision will defeat such a plan.The more things change the more they stay the same.

By hopeful

November 10, 2009 9:26 AM | Link to this

McLin did a poor job as Mayor and she was not a good representative of our city. Every time she spoke without a script she sounded foolish. That’s not a good reason for all the McLin bashing. The people of Dayton have spoken through the voting process. I think we should all stand behind the new Mayor and ask him what we can do to help turn this city around. True, he is not a politician but a problem solver. Isn’t that exactly what this city needs. Why do people feel the need to keep defending McLin? She was voted out of office. In every election, someone wins, someone doesn’t. It’s not an East or west thing. It’s just simply a ” she wasn’t up to the task” thing. Quit being haters and get behind the new Mayor. His job will not be an easy one. Reminds me of the guy that follows behind the elephants in the circus. Mayor-elect Leitzell’s first years will be spent cleaning up the mess before he can turn things around. Do you want to help that cause or hurt it? Bitterness can be very damaging if allowed to spread. At the end of the day, it helps no one.

By calvin

November 10, 2009 9:43 AM | Link to this

Let’s talk about the boogie man behind the tree. McLin used blind racism just as Obama did, at least before the election. People voted for him just because he was (half) like us. Many people in Dayton voted for McLin without looking at performance or qualifications, but she was just like us. Elections have consequences. Reelecting the queen of hats and glasses and bottles (along with a rumor of living in or staying in Trotwood), was a mistake 4 years ago. Now Dayton is even worse off. Will the city commission support their new mayor in an attempt to get some positive things for Dayton that aren’t paid for by the rest of the county’s tax money (like the roof on the Dayton skating rink referred to in earlier post)? The city is too inbred. We have an inconsequential past mayor with an honorary post at UD along with the likes of Taft, the education governor—grin. We have a TV anchor wife of a well-to-do bank guy on the commission who called home rather than calling 911 to hope to get medical aid for the person she hit, perhaps above the speed limit. We have a newspaper which thinks it’s their job to steering everything democrat. The city is sunk. And the first sign is that they want regionalism after they’ve wasted all their money. Indeed they even overspent because they picked a city manager by color rather than by qualifications in the last opening. I have trouble believe the other city manager candidate would have given raises to city paper pushes when denying them to union folk who actually work tod o something to help Dayton appear safe to outsiders. Why don’t we take down the red light cameras and use officers to stop people who are seen running the lights. We’ll probably find lots of people smoking grass in their cars when stopped or smoking funny cigarillos with weed poured into the middle, and some drunks, and some criminals or at least people with warrants. See, I can think of things to help the city easily start climbing back up and regain support of surround jurisdictions. Or instead we can try to use ROC’s money (rest of county), and try to force everyone into a one call now center so Dayton’s city can be subsidized by county support of the call center. Recently I tried to contact Butler police which was listed as the call center. I was not impressed.

By MH

November 10, 2009 9:49 AM | Link to this

Greg I agree with you, the majority of the time she was on the west side. NCR did not even cross my mind in determining not giving her my vote. And as for the ministers, good for them. I respect them for standing up for their faith and beliefs. I’m sure it was hard for them not to vote for McLin but I’m sure God was pleased with their desision to stand for what is right and has been right since the beginning of time. I don’t know if this new mayor will make a difference but he was the only other option to pick. I’m sure he has a rough road ahead of him.

By tbill

November 10, 2009 9:58 AM | Link to this

Mr. Poli-Sci professor: Tell us why fewer than 30,000 people voted. There’s your answer to the problems in Dayton: let somebody else do it. Well, then, you get what you deserve.

By NlMadog

November 10, 2009 10:04 AM | Link to this

Well written Paul, I agree with some of the posted comments that Ms. McLin has enjoyed her day in sun, time to move on. The other issue is that the elections results proved we really have the government we asked for,the tax issues passed by large margins and the message is clear : keep spending and asking us for money,we will give it to you. The comment boards do not seem to reflect the majority opinion.Good luck and thank you for your service Ms. Mclin,Mr. Litzell we support you and hope for the best from you.

By MH

November 10, 2009 10:05 AM | Link to this

Stephen, Just because a person does not agree with gays getting special rights does not mean you discriminate. And just because there are people out there that disagree with the homosexual lifestyle does not mean they hate those that are homosexual. Same sex relationships have never been know to be normal and there is no history of it ever being normal. It has just became an issue in the last 15-20 years where gays have came out wanting rights, marriage, adopting kids. Why do you think it is so hard for people to accept this. God attended for a man and woman to be together and any history know of same sex relationships has been considered an abomination..so what makes it alright now?

By MH

November 10, 2009 10:06 AM | Link to this

Stephen, Just because a person does not agree with gays getting special rights does not mean you discriminate. And just because there are people out there that disagree with the homosexual lifestyle does not mean they hate those that are homosexual. Same sex relationships have never been know to be normal and there is no history of it ever being normal. It has just became an issue in the last 15-20 years where gays have came out wanting rights, marriage, adopting kids. Why do you think it is so hard for people to accept this. God intended for a man and woman to be together and any history know of same sex relationships has been considered an abomination..so what makes it alright now?

By life time resident

November 10, 2009 10:20 AM | Link to this

First of all a lot of you need to grow up and stop going for the personal. If you are going to have a real conversation keep it on the subject and not what someone is wearing or not wearing! Everyone in politics is about self first and then the people next. Do you think that the mayor elect is doing this for the city??? Wrong, he is doing it for him. True enough the city needs a change but I don’t believe that he is it. What does he know; he is just a house husband that got this great ideal that I will run for the mayor’s seat! I bet any amount of money he does/did not even want the job but can’t back out now. This mayor elect already said that he knows that he only has this term to do what he can do. Such the winner? NOT! I just hope that he does not do more harm to a city that is hanging on by a thread!!

By CrustyoldBiker

November 10, 2009 10:32 AM | Link to this

Its hard to be Mayor of a dead city

By CrustyoldBiker

November 10, 2009 10:33 AM | Link to this

Its hard to be Mayor of a dead city

By Skeptic

November 10, 2009 10:34 AM | Link to this

Regardless of the election, there are a lot of great things happening in Dayton! Just take a look at any of these: Tech Town. CareSource. UD. New RTA terminal. New Oregon District Parking. Stivers High School. New Hospital buildings. New houses on Salem. New art galleries on Fifth. New bridges. That is just a short list. Say what you will, but Dayton is making a comeback.

By Lee

November 10, 2009 10:36 AM | Link to this

Jesus Christ himself could have been Mayor and NCR still would have left. Being mayor and president is like a Quarterback, all the blame when things go wrong, and all the credit when things are going well.

By MM

November 10, 2009 10:41 AM | Link to this

Let’s give the new mayor a chance,Mclin had her’s for eight years. The people of this city need to stop waiting for someone else to fix their problems. Get up, get out and do something to change this city for the better. I did and I feel better for it. We got a new mayor.

By null

November 10, 2009 10:49 AM | Link to this

It is easily for someone who know nothing about business to blame Rhine Mclin for business leaving. That would have happen any way, There is only so much a Mayor can do . Thants why we have commissioners both city and county. I’m not saying she was the best Mayor.It was time for change. We ended up with someone who doesnt have a clue. He quoted a dont expect to be re-elected. How much confidence he has.I wish him good luck he really needs it.”What about these crooked cops racing up & down Salem & Third St”.

By UrbanDweller

November 10, 2009 11:09 AM | Link to this

“She couldn’t have seen her mayoral re-election defeat coming. No one did.” Wow. He’s as blind as she is incompetent.

By Jess

November 10, 2009 11:22 AM | Link to this

reply to MH: Before you post a comment please check to make sure you’ve used the correct words. Your sentences are full of errors, and make you sound even more uneducated than your opinions lead me to believe. Also, just because there is a history of bias and cruelty to homosexuals doesn’t make it right. That is the most ridiculous explanation I’ve heard for discrimination. What do you care if homosexuals want to be married and have a family? I’m sure some of them will do a much better job then the crack heads that constantly procreate.

By Jess

November 10, 2009 11:26 AM | Link to this

reply to MH: Before you post a comment please check to make sure you’ve used the correct words. Your sentences are full of errors, and make you sound even more uneducated than your opinions lead me to believe. Also, just because there is a history of bias and cruelty to homosexuals doesn’t make it right. That is the most ridiculous explanation I’ve heard for discrimination. There was a historical precedence of women not being treated equally as men. Do you think we should go back to the time when women couldn’t own land or vote?

By David Esrati

November 10, 2009 11:38 AM | Link to this

To Paul Leonard, I never would have entered politics had your commission did what no commission or mayor has done since I’ve been in Dayton: LISTEN TO THE CITIZENS when they come to talk to you. You’re as arrogant as ever, pronouncing that Gary isn’t prepared for what’s coming. He’s actually better qualified than you- in that he knew that she could be beat- and that he did something, instead of sat on the sidelines like you and the rest of the “power broker” types who’ve run Dayton into the ground. The Ministers endorsed Nan Whaley- so your equal rights argument is moot- although I agree with you that they need an education in what non-discrimination means. Rashad Young should be sued to get his raise back at minimum. How he got away with the raises is a sign of the incompetence of the current commission- which, is, just like you- totally out of touch. Gary Letizell will do fine as Mayor. It’s time to take a look at who is the brain trust at Dem HQ. Who are they running against Mike Turner? Maybe that’s what you should do- since you’re as qualified at Turner- a former mayor and a lawyer. Get busy.

By db

November 10, 2009 11:40 AM | Link to this

McLin Would not even say hi to me at the mall ooooooooo I forgot I was a white male.

By flipper

November 10, 2009 11:40 AM | Link to this

Her goofy personality being another reason.

By Ken

November 10, 2009 11:53 AM | Link to this

It was TIME FOR A CHANGE folks. The citizens of Dayton obviously thought so which is why she did not win the race. As she stated before, she thought that she was going to have no problems winning the race. I was so happy to see her face on in the newspaper when she saw that she had lost and just started laughing at her. Gary will do a whole lot better than her. At least he will say hello to you when you walk by him

By heh

November 10, 2009 11:54 AM | Link to this

The local Dems just can’t deal with it. “It’s the low voter turnout. It’s the ministers’ fault. et cetera ad nauseum.” At least they haven’t smeared the constituency as racists like they tried to smear Mr. Leitzell…yet.

By Drunk in public

November 10, 2009 11:58 AM | Link to this

I like the comments about her walking the streets during her campaign. She should be good at walking around the neighborhoods looking for her house because of her being drunk in public all the time.Now she can spend more time drinking at home instead of on tax payers time and money.Its time to let go DDN.

By @ Jess

November 10, 2009 12:02 PM | Link to this

Marriage is, by definition, a heterosexual institution. While some cultures may have allowed for “something on the side”, no culture in recorded history has permitted exclusively homosexual “marriage”, as it runs contrary to the purpose and nature of marriage. Dogs can’t be cats and apples can’t be oranges; that doesn’t mean they’re being treated cruelly…just that you can’t simply pretend a thing is what it’s not because you’d like it to be so.

By Biff

November 10, 2009 12:08 PM | Link to this

@db- While at City Fest 2 yrs. ago, I saw the beautiful mayor, resplendent in hat and glasses, approached her and asked if I can take a picture. She was holding a to go carton of food. I handed my camera to the woman she was talking with, put my arm around her honor’s shoulders and smiled big for the camera as she muttered something about holding her food. I was half drunk, of course, but cherish the picture of myself and the mayor. It was a hoot! Wha cares about McLin? I live in Beavercreek! @ Dave Esrati- Nice comments. Heard any good Beatles songs or talked to Ann lately? ;)

By nullshane mcintire

November 10, 2009 12:22 PM | Link to this

i agree with the first person to comment on mr. leonards article. in 42 years that i have been on the east end i have never seen mrs mclin walk the streets of east end. since she has been in office the east end has gone to hell in a handbasket. but if you look at the west side it is starting to thrive. better streets, more police,more attention. the whole city needs attention not just one side.

By nullshane mcintire

November 10, 2009 12:30 PM | Link to this

mayor elect leitzell deserves a chance to run the city after all we elected him. political experience or not. after all look at our president. how much experience did he have before being elected? very very little.

By MH

November 10, 2009 12:39 PM | Link to this

Jess- excuse my writing. I wrote fast and posted. I can say that even though I got an A in English in high school and college, I will agree that it is not my best quality :)..And just to make it clear, I love everyone out there. You can love someone, but also at the same time not like their ways. Just like your kids…you can have a child that goes out and commits a crime which you know they have done wrong but you still love them if you are a good parent. Time will tell on what is morally right. One day we will all face God and he will determine what was right and wrong. If a person believes in God, He will make Himself real to him or her. God will reveal to a person what to a person what is right and wrong if they are sincere in wanting to know.

By Log Cabin John

November 10, 2009 12:40 PM | Link to this

Simple mathematics: when hundreds of thousands of living-wage jobs get created, the tax coffers can crawl out of debt. Public sector jobs will not be sustained when no one else is working! Ohio and the other 49 states are broke! All we’re doing is passing the same money around and going deeper in the hole. There is no magic bullet until we balance personal and governmental budgets!

By nullshane mcintire

November 10, 2009 12:46 PM | Link to this

why was the east end the dumping ground for the dasota bass and parkside homes projects. these people were moved into brand new homes that the tax payers paid for. now look at these homes, they look like what the west side used to look like

By Mark

November 10, 2009 1:09 PM | Link to this

My vote goes to Joey Williams!

By Former Daytonian

November 10, 2009 1:30 PM | Link to this

No one will succeed at being a mayor of Dayton until Dayton finds an economic base that isnt’ built on manufacturing. Dayton needs a leader with vision to diversify the economic base of the city and then some real progress can be made. She tried and failed. The next mayor has his work cut out for him. Yes i left Dayton and its suburbs for a city that is growing and thriving and was realitively protected from the economic decline because of its diverse economy. Dayton will always be my hometown and i hate to see its decline.

By X-File

November 10, 2009 1:35 PM | Link to this

Wow I wonder how long it will take all of you to starting beating on Gary Leitzel? My bet is that he does not last 4 years, we’ll see!

By Linda

November 10, 2009 1:40 PM | Link to this

I would like to thank the former Mayor for time spent as Mayor of Dayton, OH. She may not have done what some expected but she did do her job the best anyone in that position could…Face it, we coplain about hr, the President, senators, etc…Why don’t some of YOU COMPLAINERS run for something so we can talk about you…see how many votes you get…Leave the lady alone..enough is enough…

By Greg Miller

November 10, 2009 2:17 PM | Link to this

She looked like E.T with those funny hats.

By Paul L.

November 10, 2009 2:21 PM | Link to this

Sorry Paul Leonard-you get a D - I’m glad you weren’t teaching Political Science when I went to UD! The 3 reasons Mayor McHat lost the election were: 1. She was incompentent 2. She supported anti-business policies and 3. She was a clown!

By neglect

November 10, 2009 2:37 PM | Link to this

There would be a lot of less negative comments on politicians if they would not have allowed people to take prayer out of schools, and God out of religious sayings. This country has always been based on God until the last few years people are trying to get God taken out of everything and you would think they would learn from the results of the shape the US is in because of the neglect of God.

By riverat

November 10, 2009 2:38 PM | Link to this

When Paul Leonard was mayor of Dayton He became ILL in the municipal building at city hall. He INSISTED to be taken to Kettering hospital, instead of one of the CLOSER fine Dayton hospitals. Enough said!!!!

By Shirley

November 10, 2009 2:47 PM | Link to this

In the words of the Great Vice President Biden: “Believe it or not, spending is the only way we will get ourselves out of this mess!” Yeah, folks, we need to starve this government. It’s gotten too fat to govern.

By for real

November 10, 2009 2:48 PM | Link to this

Hey Stephen, Read the Bible, practicing gay people are not a part of God’s family. It’s not your’s or my say so. If you don’t like it, take it up with God.

By riverat

November 10, 2009 2:50 PM | Link to this

Paul Leonard has such integrity that he stored his PERSONAL belongings in the CITY of DAYTON owned, payed for by the TAXPAYERS airport in Vandalia!! It was in the newspapers, and on local news. I believe there were store and lock facilities at the time!!!

By Shirley

November 10, 2009 2:51 PM | Link to this

These days preachers need to worry about being sued for preaching the Word of God. We have to be politically correct before speaking so I guess we don’t have freedom of speech anymore.

By UrbanDweller

November 10, 2009 3:34 PM | Link to this

I have to wonder now if McJoke was completely to blame. Talk about living in the past. My God, DDN, LET IT GO!! No wonder this city can’t move forward, you keep wanting to stay in the past. Either move forward and show some support for our new mayor or shut up!

By Toleratingothers

November 10, 2009 3:39 PM | Link to this

For those of you commenting on the mayor not walking the east side, I can vouch that she did. I live in South Park historic district. She did a neighborhood walk-around a few years ago, although, I would describe it more like the last leg of a pub crawl. She couldn’t even walk a straight line and was a total embarrassment.

By ron

November 10, 2009 3:49 PM | Link to this

You forgot to add that she pushed all the businesses out of dayton, and made the city a laughing stock. She ruined the city, and those of you that think she did good are just fooling yourselves.

By fsm

November 10, 2009 3:54 PM | Link to this

“for real” and the rest of you bible thumpers, perhaps the U.S. is in trouble becuase we have forsaken the one and true deity “flying spaghetti monster”, I think you should all look to the church for answers, as they have been doing a great job for centuries. lets not ever have to be responsible for anything becuase its all in “the plan”. this city will never be vibrant till we control our crime problem. its tough to have business downtown when your customers are afraid to come to your place of business. maybe our “church” people can spend less time working against the scourge of gay marriage/equal rights and more time engaging our young people who are commiting the majority of the crimes that keep customers away from downtown business. btw has anyone else heard about the upcoming loss of 80 police officers. OMG this is a nightmare

By Amy

November 10, 2009 3:59 PM | Link to this

Why are people wasting time waxing on about why Rhine lost? Let’s move forward. Whether any particular person likes it or not, Gary is going to be the Mayor. For the sake of our city, let’s stop worrying about the past and move forward. Sure, Gary has a lot of work ahead of him. Rhine would have to if she had won. But she didn’t. So, let’s support Gary and start moving Dayton in a positive direction, which will benefit us all. And, FWIW, NCR may have left in any case. But when asked what she would do to prevent other businesses from leaving, Rhine didn’t answer that question. She just went on about why NCR wasn’t her fault. I don’t care if it was her fault or not. But I do care that we learn from it and do our best to have business-friendly policies in place in our city!

By Rob

November 10, 2009 4:34 PM | Link to this

Well, she did finally get rid of those glasses…one round and one square?!? Not a Dayton resident so I really don’t have a dog in the fight but… I do wish Dayton would get it’s act together. Either that or we need to build a wall…

By What??

November 10, 2009 4:42 PM | Link to this

Skeptic, What does new houses on Salem have to do with great things happening in Dayton? With all the vacant lots and vacant houses in the city,there is no need to build housing on major thoroughfares. STUPID POLICY! Please consider changing your name to Cheerleader.

By Get Real

November 10, 2009 7:18 PM | Link to this

We did to her what we did to GW Bush. 8 years was enough, time to go.

By Stephen

November 10, 2009 7:43 PM | Link to this

It doesnt matter what your opinion is on gay people. They are Americans and deserve equal rights because they are guaranteed them in the 14th amendment. I dont care to argue what you think about history or what your opinion is. That doenst matter. What matters is equal treatment under the law, no matter how unpopular the minority is. nuff said.

By emperorlotku

November 10, 2009 7:58 PM | Link to this

What I found so typical was on election day when Mayor McClin announced her win prior to the results were counted, of all those who WORKED all day and had to vote after they got off WORK. That was a direct insult to the TAXPAYERS of Dayton. That was so typically arrogant of her and her political goons. Again to disenfranchise the TAXPAYERS who WORK HARD to fund the activities of government is why her ilk will lose big time in the next election cycle.

By emperorlotku

November 10, 2009 7:58 PM | Link to this

What I found so typical was on election day when Mayor McClin announced her win prior to the results were counted, of all those who WORKED all day and had to vote after they got off WORK. That was a direct insult to the TAXPAYERS of Dayton. That was so typically arrogant of her and her political goons. Again to disenfranchise the TAXPAYERS who WORK HARD to fund the activities of government is why her ilk will lose big time in the next election cycle.

By Stephen

November 10, 2009 8:35 PM | Link to this

Your religious beliefs do not rule society either. There is separation of church and state in this country. this is about equal rights under the law for ALL americans. If you dont like that fact, then move to a theocracy like Iran or the middle east somewhere where laws are based on religion. Im sorry but this is just how the USA is set up…deal with it! Dont believe in gay marriage? then dont get one

By Stephen

November 10, 2009 8:46 PM | Link to this

Im sorry you feel like the Bible tells you that there is something wrong with some of God’s children. I know the same book also says that you shouldnt judge others and that you should love others. If you truly understood it and respected it and believed in it like you say, you wouldnt be in here speaking poorly and judging your gay brothers and sisters who are also God’s children. You are showing your lack of respect and utter disregard for the the same Book you are quoting from. Your true colors are showing. The Bible was also used and quoted to discriminate against women and african americans. Its really sad how people throughout history have abused and misused religion to hurt and abuse other people. very sad indeed. I would be worried about your own souls and less about the souls of others.

By Butternut

November 10, 2009 10:17 PM | Link to this

Leonard, Leonard! I thought his sorry butt was in California as a plaintiff’s attorney for lap dogs. Mr. Centerville himself.

By Stacy Law

November 10, 2009 11:40 PM | Link to this

No one saw it coming? I DID. EVERY VOTER WHO VOTED FOR GARY LEITZELL DID.

By Former Resident

November 11, 2009 5:42 AM | Link to this

As I sit here and read many of these comments, I am surprised by the level of ignorance about the problems facing the city. Dayton’s problems just didn’t start 8 years ago when McLin took over but have been in the works for 20+ yrs. The tax rate is too high and the school district is terrible—throw in the crime, unemployment, etc and you’ve got a big ol’ mess. That’s death to any city trying to revive itself because those are factors unattractive to businesses that may be interested in moving in. A couple posters speak of McLin reviving West Dayton, but not the East. Seriously??? Everytime I travel back for a visit—I see more and more vacant houses & businesses on the west side than I’ve seen in the east. You people are definitely not traveling beyond your borders. Finally, don’t be so quick to blast Leitzell when he can’t improve things in another 8 years. It’s going to take time…

By baddog72

November 11, 2009 7:15 AM | Link to this

DDN is missing the “G” Factor. She was perceived as a total Goof, locally and nationally. From Snubbing a Presidential visit to read to kids, to her one round and one square glasses, and of course, the Goofy hats. She reminds one more of an eccentric relative than a political leader.

By don

November 11, 2009 8:43 AM | Link to this

alot of the comments are emotional instead of factual. Voter turnout is WHY she lost. not saying she did the greatest job in the world but certainly not the worst. The economy is the basic reason. Shes the fall guy, and gives everyone someone to point at.

By fortressdayton

November 11, 2009 8:43 PM | Link to this

It’s called democracy. Get over it and let’s move forward.

By davidss2

November 12, 2009 11:03 AM | Link to this

Of course it’s voter turnout! If more people had turned out instead of staying home, Gary would have won by an even bigger margin against the Democrat Westside machine! Crying that not enough people stayed home but that really McHat should have won, is just that, whining. She lost. She was no good. Get over it.

By Bob540

November 14, 2009 12:13 PM | Link to this

I agree with those who say we need to look forward, not back. The election is done. Trying to figure out what economy to have now that manufacturing has been exported is important, but so too is demographics. Dayton and Ohio have aging population, and that will only worsen as youth continue to leave. I foresee not only aging of population but pop. decline as well. The elderly of means will leave for warmer climates and those who remain will become infirm and pass on. Perhaps this will become a mecca for illegal aliens, as homes increasingly are vacant and property values drop. Major challenges indeed.

By c

November 22, 2009 11:25 AM | Link to this

get some of these lifer of the welfare system that tax payers pay for city will be better

By c

November 22, 2009 11:27 AM | Link to this

get some of these lifer of the welfare system that tax payers pay for city will be better